Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 71701 — Camden, AR

ZIP code 71701 (Camden, Ouachita County) is in USDA zone 8a: the coldest winter night averages 10 to 15 °F. The median last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost November 6.

Where ZIP 71701 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone8a10 to 15 °F

Coldest night−12.2 to −9.4 °C

Last frostMar 21

First frostNov 6

2012 zone8a

Same zone as on the 2012 map. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 8a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Camden, AR…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Camden, AR

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMarch 21median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 7only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 6median — 10% chance by Oct 24

Growing season230 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 6 and returns around November 19.

From the NOAA station Camden 1, AR — within 1 mile, elevation 115 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 71701

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 7 – Feb 21

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 7 – Feb 28

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 10 – Jan 24

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 28 – Mar 14

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 28 – Mar 14

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 24 – Feb 7

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 28 – Apr 11

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 10 – Jan 24

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 4 – Apr 18

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 28 – Apr 11

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 28 – Apr 11

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 28 – Apr 11

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 11 – Sep 25

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 23 – Nov 27

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 21) and first fall frost (Nov 6) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 71701 came on Feb 11 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Feb 10).

average
Feb 102026
Feb 11

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 8a in Arkansas

516 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Arkansas, and rated by the USDA to survive 10 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8a. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Camden, AR.

Soil in Camden, AR

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 71701 is Kirvin — fine sandy loam, well drained.

TextureFine sandy loamdrains and warms fast; dries out and needs more feeding

pH6.2slightly acidic; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.25%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Kirvin fine sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 71701; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Camden, AR

Summer high92 °Faverage high, July

Winter low31 °Faverage low, January

Hot days82days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights63nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days5,402base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 23 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 55 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation53.1 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall2 inper year; 1 days with snow on the ground

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Camden 1, AR (within 1 mile); precipitation: Camden 1, AR (within 1 mile). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

2 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

Chidester, AR · 12 mi

717628a

Smackover, AR · 17 mi

Mount Holly, AR · 19 mi

717598b

Norphlet, AR · 20 mi

All 2 ZIP codes in Camden → · Arkansas planting zones →

Questions about 71701

What planting zone is ZIP code 71701?

ZIP code 71701 (Camden, AR) is in USDA hardiness zone 8a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 10 to 15 °F (−12.2 to −9.4 °C).

When is the last frost in Camden, AR?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 71701 is March 21; after April 7 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Camden 1 station.

When is the first frost in Camden, AR?

The median first fall frost near 71701 is November 6, giving a median frost-free growing season of 230 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 71701?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 24 – Feb 7 and set transplants outside around Mar 28 – Apr 11, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 71701 get?

About 53.1 inches of precipitation a year and 2 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Camden 1 station).

How hot do summers get in Camden, AR?

The average high peaks at 92 °F in July, with about 82 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 71701 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Kirvin at the center of ZIP 71701: fine sandy loam, well drained, pH about 6.2 (slightly acidic).

Did spring come early in Camden, AR in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 71701 came on Feb 11 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Feb 10), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Camden, AR?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 71701 is 14 h 23 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.